MAMAMOO Issue Apology After Blackface Concert Video Scandal

MAMAMOO has issued an apology after featuring blackface in a concert video.

A representative for the four-member K-pop group shared a message from the girls on Facebook on March 4, addressing a recent video clip used during the band's "Moosical" concert, in which Solar, Moonbyul, Wheein and Hwasa donned considerably dark facial makeup for a cover of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk." (While some fans have argued that the ladies are simply wearing makeup to make themselves look "tanner," it's important to acknowledge that they are also wearing outfits similar to those worn by Mars and his dancers in the official "Uptown Funk" video, making it a clear imitation.)

On Facebook, MAMAMOO apologized for their "insensitive actions."

"We understand now why our actions were wrong and we never meant to do harm with our video. We were extremely ignorant of blackface and did not understand the implications of our actions," they wrote, adding, "We will be taking time to understand more about our international fans to ensure this never happens again. We hope that you will help to educate us on these and other issues so that we can become better people and better artists."

See their full message and a photo of the offensive concert clip, below:

"Hello, this is Mamamoo.
We are extremely sorry for our insensitive actions and use of blackface in our video while portraying Bruno Mars. There is no excuse for what we did and there are not enough words to explain how regretful we are. We are heartbroken to have hurt our international K-Pop fans so deeply.
We love and care so much for all people of every race, sexuality, religion, and gender. We love all our fans and are so sorry to have hurt our fans in the black community.
We understand now why our actions were wrong and we never meant to do harm with our video. We were extremely ignorant of blackface and did not understand the implications of our actions.
We will be taking time to understand more about our international fans to ensure this never happens again. We hope that you will help to educate us on these and other issues so that we can become better people and better artists.
Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention and allowing us to right the wrongs that we have done."